Category Archives: News

Pobjoy Mint has announced that it has changed the design of its ‘Britannia Rules the Waves – 2017′ commemorative coin due to a copyright infringement. The bullion 1 crown coin, issued on behalf of the Falkland Islands by Pobjoy Mint, included the phrase “Britannia Rules the Waves” in its design to honour the soldiers that gave…

The Bank of England has unveiled the design of the new ten pound polymer banknote due to begin circulating on the 14 September 2017. The new polymer banknote is the second of the new series of banknotes to be issued by the Bank of England, following the release of the New Fiver last September. Celebrating the works…

A new family of banknotes has today begun to circulate, issued by the Central Bank of Madagascar with the addition of a new high value denomination. Today, Madagascar banknote denominations of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and a brand new high value denomination of 20,000 Ariary (US $6.80) have been issued into circulation. The remaining 100, 200, 500 and…

Visa Inc. has announced a new initiative called The Visa Cashless Challenge, encouraging US small businesses to stop using cash by offering thousands of dollars in reward. The Visa Cashless Challenge invites small US-based food service businesses such as restaurants, cafes or food truck owners to describe “what cashless means for them, their employees and customers”. If…

The Central Bank of Armenia has announced that they will be changing the denomination structure of their next 3rd Generation Banknote series, with the addition of a lower value banknote and removal of the highest value note. Citing an increased use in cashless payments within the country, the Central Bank has confirmed that the 100,000 dram…

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have issued commemorative polymer banknotes. The Monetary Authorities of both Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have jointly issued a set of two $50 commemorative polymer banknotes at a ceremony held on 5 July 2017. The Currency Interchangeability Agreement was originally established in 1967 to…

Clemens Berger has been appointed as the new Louisenthal Chairman of the Management Board. Berger takes over the position from Dr. Wolfram Seidemann, who has been the Louisenthal Chairman since 1 November 2016. Since joining in 2001, Berger has held several management positions at the substrate and foil manufacturing company. Since 2010, he has been responsible…

The Central Bank of Syria has issued a new high denomination 2,000 pound banknote featuring President Bashar al-Assad, the first time he has appeared on Syrian currency since he assumed office in July 2000. The note is one of several printed years ago, reportedly by Goznak, but, says Central Bank Governor Duraid Durgham, it was delayed…

The Louisenthal “Water” house note has won the Best Specimen Banknote award, presented by the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA). The “Water” specimen house note includes the optically variable RollingStar® LEAD security foil shown on the left of the adjacent image, as well as the RollingStar® Registered security thread, seen in the right hand note. Louisenthal, a…

Fifty years ago today, the world’s first cash machine was installed at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield, London. The machine was invented by John Shepherd-Barron and his team at De La Rue Instruments Ltd. The new machine, or Automated Teller Machine (ATM), allowed customers to withdraw ten £1 banknotes using a special voucher that…

SMI is one of the best known independent technical and marketing consultancies serving the banknote and high security document market. In a sector which by its nature is strictly confidential and relies on experience and trust, SMI has built a strong reputation for insight, expertise and integrity.

Philippe Barreau, Managing DirectorSICPA SA

SMI’s unique knowledge of the banknote industry is unrivalled. They are the consultancy of choice within this sector.

Arjo Wiggins, Managing Director BanknotesThibaut d'Argentré

Secura Monde’s knowledge and grasp of the currency industry – the suppliers, issuers, technologies - and the issues and challenges that it faces are second to none.

Astrid Mitchell, EditorReconnaissance International

I can recommend the professional skill of the Secura Monde team and their global network. They are disciplined, organized, analytical, accurate and timely executing agreed tasks, they provide both comprehensive, detailed and meaningful reports and recommendations. Secura Monde also has good technical knowledge in security production and application, and production technologies from start to finish, which is very valuable.

Matthias Müller, Director Business Unit Security FeaturesHueck Folien

For technical and strategic consultation in the field of banknote and high security printing SMI is recognised as the industry leader. The company's understanding of the global market and its relevant technologies is first class and, in a highly competitive sector, SMI can be relied upon to provide expert and reliable independent advice.

Crane Currency

The recent business history of Fabriano in Security papers and features started in 2002 with a key report made by SMI. In fact, Fabriano paper mill was basically supplying banknote paper just to domestic market. With the investment made at that time, enabling their production to increase by 3 times, they need a clear overview on the international market, which was given by SMI, as well as some important advices as to security features alliances, which led Fabriano to take over a leading security thread and holographic foil manufacturer such as Mantegazza, renamed as Fabriano Securities in 2004.